The jaw is made up of two bones: the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible). The lower jaw (mandible) supports the bottom row of teeth and gives shape to the lower face and chin. This is the bone that moves as the mouth opens and closes. The upper jaw (maxilla) holds the upper teeth, shapes the middle of the face, and supports the nose.
The lower jaw, or mandible, is also the bone that is commonly referred to as the "jawbone". It is the only movable bone in the skull and is attached to the skull by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
